Religion/ Spirituality

Ya can't praise Jesus on one hand while popping steroids and cocaine with the other ... so says UFC fighter Corey Anderson, who says he's sick of Jon Jones pretending to be a man of God.

Anderson -- a religious man himself -- is the #6 ranked light heavyweight and angling for a title shot. He tells TMZ Sports it's not just about the belt, he wants to teach a lesson.

"He puts things, 'Oh, God this and God that,' but then goes out and does drugs. Ya popping steroids and ya failing your tests. You're hitting pregnant women and running from the scene. Ya can't sit there and mix God and still live that life."

Long story short ... Anderson thinks Jon is a phony who's been putting on an act to win over the public for years -- and says it's offensive that he would tattoo a bible verse on his chest while living an ungodly life.

"There's a lot about him that's just fake to me. The fact that he keep quoting these bible verses," Anderson says ... "I'm the type of person, I wake up in the morning and read my bible. I'm a God-fearing man."

Anderson and Jones have been trading insults on social media -- but Corey says he's not just about that talk ... he wants that action in a big way.

"Hey Jon, if you watching, let's go. All the smoke baby. You said, do I want the smoke? I want it all. Chain smoke. Cigar smoke. Weed smoke. Crack smoke. Whatever you smokin', blow it in my face. Let's get it."

Anderson fought on the undercard at UFC 232 and beat Ilir Latifi before Jones defeated Alexander Gustafsson in the main event.

As we previously reported, Anthony Smith is also gunning for a shot at Jones and says he's already negotiating with UFC.

Ilhan Omar -- one of two Muslim women ever elected to Congress -- made history Thursday when she wore her hijab on the House floor.

The Congresswoman from Minnesota was all smiles as she was sworn in on Capitol Hill ... where she was surrounded by a throng of supporters, many of whom were also wearing hijabs. Omar's no stranger to politics -- she served in the state legislature before making her historic run for Congress.

Omar -- the first Somali-American in Congress -- has also never shied away from her religion in public. In fact, during her victory speech on Election night, she dropped the Arabic phrase, "alhamdulillah" ... which means "all praise to God."

The 37-year-old -- who came from a refugee camp in Kenya some 23 years ago -- ran on very progressive platforms ... such as hiking the minimum wage, universal healthcare and free college tuition.

12/25 -- 21 Savage has also apologized ... saying, "the Jewish people I know are very wise with [their] money so that's why I said we been gettin Jewish money. I never thought anyone would take offense. I'm sorry if I offended everybody. Never my intention. I love all people."

LeBron James busted out a big "Sleecha" to Jewish people on Sunday -- after posting a photo on Instagram with the caption, "Getting that Jewish money."

Long story short, LeBron says he thought it was a "compliment" to Jews.

James was actually quoting a lyric from the 21 Savage rap song "ASMR" -- but there was a backlash online from people who felt someone as famous and powerful as LeBron shouldn't be pushing old Anti-Semitic stereotypes.

"Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone," James told ESPN ... "That's not why I chose to share that lyric. I always [post lyrics]. That's what I do. I ride in my car, I listen to great music, and that was the byproduct of it."

"So, I actually thought it was a compliment, and obviously it wasn't through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies. It definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody."

Despite LeBron's intent, there have been hundreds of books and articles written over the years about why the "Jews and Money" stereotype is a dangerous one.

Quite simply, it's been used a rallying cry to fuel anti-Semitism for hundreds of years.

Casey Kasem's children can have some peace of mind after cops confirmed they had nothing to do with his death, but his widow ... maybe not so much.

As we reported ... police in Washington opened an investigation into Kasem's death last month at the request of his widow, Jean Kasem, who alleged members of the Church of Scientology and Casey's kids conspired to kill the radio icon for his money.

But, Gig Harbor Police concluded the standard of care Casey received from medical personnel at the behest of his children was appropriate, adding ... "There was no evidence of collusion between parties that would construe any part of this incident to be considered a homicide."

Casey's daughter, Julie, tells TMZ the family's grateful to the police for confirming what they already knew ... "That Jean Kasem’s ridiculous allegations are completely unsupported by reality or fact."

Julie adds ... "Jean has once again instigated a baseless investigation, then went on a media blitz to detract from the mountains of evidence we have compiled against her.”

As you know ... Julie and her siblings filed a wrongful death suit against Jean in 2015. They claim she removed their dad from an assisted living facility in California and took him on a 7-day journey, but when they returned, Casey had a massive bedsore that was deeply infected. The kids allege Jean's neglect led to a staph infection, UTI, and sepsis ... all of which killed their father.

Drake is highly offended by a music publishing company for allegedly using his image without his permission, but also for playing off a Jewish stereotype. The company's name is Hebrew Hustle.

Drake's been in legal battles with the publisher/management co. for years. Hebrew Hustle first sued him over a sample in his song, "Pound Cake/Paris Morton Music 2." Now, he's suing the co., claiming it used his name and image on its website ... leading the public to think they're working with him.

In new docs filed in that suit, Drake's lawyers call out the company over its name, saying, "The very name of Hebrew Hustle is offensive, as it perpetuates stereotypes regarding persons of Jewish heritage, such as [Drake]."

Drizzy's legal team says he would never have allowed the company to use his image due to its offensive name. According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Drake wants damages for the "mental distress" and "humiliation" suffered from any perceived connection to Hebrew Hustle -- plus any money the company made from using his likeness.

Casey Kasem's daughter says his widow is throwing out bogus claims to try to discredit her family ... and thwart their efforts to get justice for his 2014 death.

Julie Kasem tells TMZ ... Jean Kasem's recent allegations -- that members of the Church of Scientology and Casey's kids conspired to kill the radio legend for his money -- are blatant lies she's using to take the heat off herself.

Julie admits her sister, Kerri, is a Scientologist, but says it doesn't matter ... because Scientology has absolutely nothing to do with the case. She then doubles down on her belief that Jean's elder abuse contributed to her dad's death.

She also insists no money she or her siblings have received from their father went to Scientology, as Jean has also claimed.

If you don't know ... police in Washington opened an investigation into Kasem's death last month at the request of Jean. As we reported ... they already filed a wrongful death suit against Jean in 2015.

Casey's children claim Jean removed him from an assisted living facility in California and took him on a 7-day journey all over the Western U.S. ... but when they returned, he had a massive bedsore that was deeply infected. The suit alleges Casey died as the result of a staph infection, UTI, and sepsis ... all brought on by Jean's neglect.

Jean's adamantly denied doing anything to harm her husband before he died. We got her outside the courthouse Wednesday, and she doubled down on her claims against the kids, and her ongoing legal battle for the estate. She's asking to be the executor of Casey's will ... but no decision has been made on that yet.

What do you get a 99-year-old nun as a thank-you present for being the best good luck charm ever??

Diamonds, baby!!!

Loyola-Chicago rewarded Sister Jean -- the superstar team chaplain who was with the Ramblers for every step of their epic NCAA Tournament run last season -- with a Final Four ring Tuesday.

America's favorite nun was courtside for the Loyola's game against Nevada -- when she was handed a dope diamond ring as a present for being the squad's biggest supporter last year.

Sister Jean reportedly had no clue the gift was on its way ... and she smiled huge as team staffers put the band on her hand.

Bad news for Loyola ... they lost the game, 79-65.

10:19 AM PT -- TMZ's obtained a photo from inside the funeral, before Diddy arrived. Kim's golden casket's front and center topped with a bouquet of beautiful flowers, along with a black and white photo of her. We're told a band and church choir are providing music.

11:30 AM PT -- Several speakers delivered eulogies for Kim during the service, including Mary J. Blige, Dallas Austin, Bishop Noel Jones, her son Quincy Brown and Diddy. We're told Quincy's dad, Al B. Sure!, joined him and Diddy on stage when Quincy broke down while speaking.

We're told Yolanda Adams performed "Just a Prayer Away", and Faith Evans sang "His Eye is On the Sparrow."

The hearse carrying the body of Kim Porter arriving at Cascades Hills Church in Columbus, Georgia.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 AM ET. We're told Diddy hopes to deliver a eulogy, however, it's possible he will bow out at the last minute because of what we're told is a fragile emotional state.

Kim will be buried next to her mother, Sarah Lee Porter, who died in 2014.

The Combs and Porter families are there in force for the service, which is expected to be large ... an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 mourners are expected to attend.

Porter's two sons and Diddy were seen leaving her wake in Georgia on Friday night. Quincy Brown and Christian Casey Combs attended the private service at Charles E Huff International Funeral Home, in Columbus, alongside friends and family, including Kimora Lee Simmons and her husband Tim Leissner.

The last LFO member Brad Fischetti delivered an emotional tribute to Devin Lima, tearfully saying he believes his comrade in arms is in a better place.

Brad is now the lone survivor of the group ... this after Devin died Wednesday after a yearlong battle with cancer. The group originally was a trio, but the third member, Rich Cronin, died after a long fight with leukemia.

In the video description on YouTube, Brad wrote that a few days before Devin passed away he told him, "Bro, when it's over, just tell them I disappeared."

TMZ broke the story ... Devin died after battling stage 4 cancer.

The group was super popular in the '90s. Their biggest hit, "Summer Girls," which was released in '99, peaked at #3 on Billboard Hot 100. They also scored with "Girl on TV" and "Every Other Time."

LMO released the song "Perfect 10" last year. They were supposed to go on tour in the spring of 2018, but it was canceled after Devin was diagnosed.

Laura Avila, the Dallas realtor who ended up in a coma after a botched nose job procedure in Mexico, has been moved to hospice care ... TMZ has learned.

Laura's attorney, Larry Friedman, tells TMZ ... Laura's family made the difficult decision Saturday to move her into hospice, and the family believes her life is now in God's hands.

We're told the family decided hospice was Laura's best option after deep deliberations with her medical team.

As we reported ... Laura slipped into a coma after surgeons in Ciudad Juarez botched her nose job by incorrectly administering anesthesia.

Julian Edelman doesn't play for Pittsburgh ... but he's got the city's back regardless -- wearing a Jewish star hat Sunday, and saying last month's synagogue shootings were "uncalled for."

After the Patriots beat the Packers last night, the WR -- who is of Jewish heritage -- wore a Team Israel hat from the World Baseball Classic.

He told reporters he wanted to show the people affected by the anti-Semitic shootings inside the Tree of Life synagogue that they're in his thoughts.

"Just letting the people out in Pittsburgh know I'm thinking about them," Edelman said ... "I'm sending vibes and they're in our prayers. It was a big hit to the community, and it's uncalled for."

"So, I just let them know, 'Hey, I'm behind you and I'm supporting.'"

The Pittsburgh Steelers -- who played in Baltimore on Sunday -- held a moment of a silence for the victims before their win over the Ravens ... while star QB Ben Roethlisberger wore "Stronger Than Hate" cleats.

Members of the team also attended funeral services last week for two brothers, Cecil and David Rosenthal, killed in the tragedy.

Ilana Glazer was forced to cancel a political event Thursday night when cops revealed vandals had left anti-Semitic slurs all over the walls of the synagogue where her event was being held.

The "Broad City" star was about to host a panel discussion with 2 NY State Senate candidates when NYPD let her know they'd found the words, "Kill all Jews" scrawled on a wall inside the Brooklyn synagogue. Cops say they found other slurs as well.

Ilana decided to pull the plug out of caution ... especially on the heels of last weekend's horrific mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

Audience members had waited for about an hour in Brooklyn, and Ilana herself came out to address the crowd. She seemed unshaken as she promised there would be other events planned soon, and thanked everyone for coming.

The haunted box that seemed to curse Post Malone is about to see the light of day on Halloween, 'cause its new owner wants to take a peek inside ... but on one condition.

"Ghost Adventures" star Zak Bagans tells TMZ he plans on opening the dybbuk box in his Haunted Museum Wednesday night, and he'll be doing it live on his show. As crazy as that sounds, it's even worse when you hear what Zak's been going through lately.

He tells us he's been getting ominous signs left and right leading up to the event that would make even Damien Thorn shake. It's pretty freaky sh*t -- stuff like dreams about people and animals being killed, calls from an unknown number telling him people will die ... and illness plaguing him for the past few weeks.

Remember ... this is the same box that supposedly put Post Malone's life in danger these past few months after he was in the same room with Zak, who ended up touching the thing. Post didn't touch it himself, but he did touch Zak's shoulder ... and Zak says that's enough to trigger a curse.

There is an upside, though, that hopefully keeps Zak from prying this devil box open. He tells us he'll only do it if he does NOT feel the same supernatural sensation he and Post felt in the room this summer.

Considering this box has made people pass out on sight -- like this poor woman here -- we're guessing he'll feel something. BTW ... we're told this lady collapsed after coming into the same room with the box just a week after Post visited. She had to be taken to the ER.

Kate Hudson's catching some flak for dressing up as a follower of Bhagwan Rajneesh -- the cult leader in the Netflix docuseries, "Wild Wild Country" -- but one of his former disciples LOVES it.

We talked to Philip Toelkes -- who used to go by Swami Prem Niren when he served as the top attorney for the controversial Rajneeshpuram in the '80s -- and he tells us Kate and her friends were well within their rights to celebrate the group.

Kate faced backlash online after posting the pic, apparently at a Halloween party, because some people felt she was glorifying the "cult."

Let's face it ... Rajneeshees will be a hit Halloween costume this year -- with the popularity of the Netflix series -- and Phil says he's totally on board with that. He also thinks Bhagwan -- aka Osho -- would be too, as long as it's respectful.

Phil also took aim at the haters, who say the Rajneeshees almost ruined a way of life for many Oregonians, saying they never understood their movement.

On the other hand, the mayor of Antelope, OR -- which had been overrun by the Rajneeshees -- tells us, "They plotted to assassinate someone. How friendly would others be if [someone] dressed up as a terrorist for Halloween?"

Tyler Perry thinks houses of worship should remain holy and sacrosanct, but the sad reality is that armed guards may be necessary.

The "Nobody's Fool" director was in NYC Tuesday, where he said Trump's call to arms in houses of worship is not the solution.

A rabbi in the deep South says he and his congregation are seriously considering taking President Trump's advice -- in the wake of the mass shooting in Pittsburgh -- and arm themselves during worship.

Rabbi Moshe Rube -- who heads up the Knesseth Israel Congregation in Birmingham, AL -- tells TMZ ... he's already spoken to temple members about having someone armed on-site after a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue.

You'll recall, President Trump caught some flak for suggesting the killing might've been avoided if people inside were armed -- but the idea's clearly gained support from some Jewish leaders.

Rabbi Rube says he's considering several options, including having members carry concealed weapons during services, as long as they're licensed.

Considering Alabama's history of racially-motivated church bombings and anti-Semitic attacks ... the rabbi says it's a difficult subject that simply couldn't be avoided.